Monday, October 03, 2016

Career Spotlight: Community Support Worker

We recently sat down with our Community Support Worker instructor, Lori Chenger to learn more about the CSW role and the career opportunities with a designation in this field.

Q: What is a Community Support Worker?
A: A CSW is an individual who has many of the same competencies as a beginner social worker. They are able to effectively engage in planning and assessing, advocating on behalf of the individual and family, and case planning / management.

Q: Who should become a Community Support Worker?
A: A CSW designation is a great second step for someone with health care experience or current Health Care Aides looking to take the next step in their careers. It adds depth to the skills and knowledge previously developed as a HCA. Men are needed in this field too and male HCAs would greatly benefit from a CSW designation.

Q: Where do Community Support Workers work?
A: There is an array of job opportunities in addiction, family support, schools, hospitals, community service, recreation, rehabilitation, advocacy, just to name a few! Graduates can also consider women's shelters, group homes, and organizations offering specific services for men, pregnant teens, for example

Q: As an experienced Health Care professional, what do you think differentiates the Robertson College Community Support Worker program from programs at other institutions?
A: Our instructors draw from their experiences in the field when teaching - this provides the students with a much broader scope of the field than simply transferring textbook knowledge in the workplace. Robertson also offers staggered entry. Although you might learn one module for two weeks, at other colleges or universities, you would be expected to carry 3 or 4 classes simultaneously. Having the option of morning or afternoon classes also takes into account the personal needs of the student, allowing them to succeed in the classroom and at home.

If the role of the Community Support Worker sounds like what you are looking for in a career, contact the college to learn more about the program and the type of training you receive here!

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